CNU women defeat Ferrum 70-55 to win USA South hoops title

Junious Smith, CORRESPONDENT

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Last year, Christopher Newport made it to the final of the USA South tournament, only to get blasted by Ferrum 82-56. On Sunday, the Captains had an opportunity to exact revenge in dominant fashion.

Tia Perry scored 16 points to lead Christopher Newport to a 70-55 win over Ferrum in the championship game, clinching an automatic berth in the Division III NCAA tournament.

Perry, who was named tournament MVP, nearly had a triple-double with nine steals and eight rebounds. The Captains (26-2) ride a 13-game winning streak into the NCAAs while never trailing in the conference tournament. CNU learns its first-round opponent and destination Monday.

"There has been nothing but positive energy from the team and it's easy to gain momentum from those good vibes," Perry said.

The Captains got off to another fast start, opening the game on a 12-2 run, highlighted by a pair of 3-pointers by Kelly Halverson. CNU went into the half with a 33-21 advantage.

Christopher Newport extended its lead immediately after intermission, going on an 11-2 run. Camry Green's bucket with 17:12 left gave the Captains a 44-23 advantage.

Ferrum (24-4) went on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 11, but Green kept the Panthers from getting any closer with her strong inside play. Green scored 13 of her 15 points in the second half after missing most of the first due to foul trouble.

"My teammates kept telling me to stay encouraged and show mental toughness," Green said. "We couldn't beat Ferrum last year, but we came together this year to make it happen."

CNU also took 30 free throws to Ferrum's 10 while staying just as aggressive on defense. The Panthers lost the ball 18 times and shot just 38 percent.

After the game, Green and Halverson were announced as members of the all-tournament team. Halverson, a Poquoson High grad, went 9 for 14 beyond the arc in the past two games, including 7 for 10 in the Captains' semifinal victory over Maryville on Saturday.

"Our team really came together and that was the biggest thing," Halverson said.

CNU coach Bill Broderick had nothing but positive words for his team, winning the USA South tournament in his first season.

"I'm just so happy for my girls," Broderick said. "They never quit and persevered, which is something we had to do against three very good teams."

One day after the men won their tournament championship game, the women of Christopher Newport did the same.

"We watched the men win yesterday and it definitely gave our team the additional motivation," Broderick said.